Queensland Influencer Faces Charges for Inflicting Harm on Infant for Social Media Fame
A 34-year-old social media influencer from Queensland is facing serious charges, including torture and causing harm to her one-year-old daughter, allegedly to gain followers and solicit donations online. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arraigned in a Brisbane court where a decision regarding her bail was postponed due to the troubling nature of the allegations.
According to the Crown prosecutor, Jack Scott, the accused admitted to administering unauthorized medication to the child, with hospital CCTV allegedly capturing her tampering with medical equipment. The prosecutor described graphic evidence of the toddler’s distress, claiming that the mother used the footage to attract online donations and followers.
The woman has been charged with multiple offenses, including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm and one count of making child exploitation material. Scott argued that the nature of the accusations indicates a risk that the woman could continue to endanger her child if released on bail.
Defense attorney Mathew Cuskelly proposed strict bail conditions that would limit the woman's contact with her daughter and put restrictions on her whereabouts. However, Scott contended that the prosecution's case is robust and expressed concerns over potential reoffending, given that the symptoms the child exhibited ceased only after she was taken into care.
The magistrate acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating that it may take years to come to trial, and indicated that the prosecution's evidence appears strong. The accused is expected to appear via video link for the magistrate's decision on Wednesday morning.
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